Twins' utility man has made a great first impression originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Despite the Minnesota Twins being four games under .500 (12-16), a terrible American League Central has them 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians (15-14) for first place. Average in pitching (17th in team ERA at 4.32) and worse on offense (26th in team batting average, .227), the Twins have seen production from a handful of players.
One player who has produced is utility man Tristan Gray, who, after nearly 9 seasons in the minor leagues, is shining in his opportunities with the Twins.
Contemplating retirement coming into the season, Gray has been one bright spot on a poorly constructed Twins roster. Acquired from the Boston Red Sox over the offseason for catcher Nate Baez, Gray has hit .267 with a .795 OPS and three home runs in 15 games.
One of Gray’s home runs was a grand slam he hit in the home opener, which helped the Twins win 10-4 over the Tampa Bay Rays.
This power production, which ties his season high in home runs, and his versatility have proven to be what the Twins needed.
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“He was one of the quietest offseason acquisitions, but he’s turned out great,” wrote MLB.com’s Matthew Leach. “Gray has played a solid infield and delivered some huge hits for the Twins, including a grand slam in the home opener. He’s already equaled a career high with three homers, bringing steady quality performance to a utility role.”
Gray has played all over the infield this season and was leaned on to play third base (nine games) when infielder Royce Lewis landed on the injured list with a left knee sprain earlier this month. Gray will continue to play and see the field with the Twins this season and could become a valuable trade piece at the trade deadline if he continues to produce.
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